Passenger vehicle demand grows

New-vehicle registrations totalled 13,438 units in June, which was an increase of 13.5 per cent from the same month a year ago. 

The Motor Industry Association (MIA) says market growth was supported by stronger passenger vehicle sales, up 21 per cent year-on-year, and heavy commercial registrations jumping 23 per cent. In contrast, light commercial registrations fell 7.1 per cent. 

Aimee Wiley, chief executive, says June’s positive result reinforces two key trends that have been developing through the year. 

“Firstly, the market has strengthened each month despite challenging economic conditions, led by passenger vehicles and supported by gains in light and heavy commercial segments,” she explains. 

“And secondly, plug-in vehicles have continued to command a greater share of the market as the year progresses – against a backdrop of fuel supply concerns and increased model availability.” 

Year-to-date registrations now stand at 71,388 vehicles, an increase of 12.5 per cent from the first six months of 2025. 

The MIA notes fuel supply conditions have eased slightly in recent weeks, but recently published economic indicators point to continued pressure for households and businesses. 

Strong battery electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) registrations suggest operating costs and fuel price volatility remain top of mind for purchasers. A total of 2,738 BEVs and 1,402 PHEVs were registered in June, compared with 1,072 and 911 respectively in the same month last year. 

“As in previous months, the shift is more pronounced in the passenger vehicle segment, with battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles representing 38 per cent of registrations – or more than one in every three vehicles registered. 

“The last time this level was achieved was in late 2023 with the impending removal of the clean car discount.” 

On a year-to-date basis, electrified vehicles have accounted for 19.7 per cent of passenger vehicle registrations, compared with 9.2 per cent in the same period of 2025.

Sales by sectors

Some 9,961 light passenger vehicles were registered in June, an increase of 1,727 units, or 21 per cent, from the same month of 2025. On a year-to-date basis, registrations increased by 6,806 units, or 15.3 per cent.

There were 2,964 light commercial vehicles sold last month, a decrease of 228 units, or 7.1 per cent. Registrations for this sector so far this year are up by 942 units, or 5.8 per cent, from the first half of 2025.

As for heavy commercials, 513 were registered in June. This was up by 96 units, or 23 per cent, from a year ago. Registrations have increased by 205 units, or 8.2 per cent, year-to-date.